I first heard of the Power Peel back in 2014. I had just moved to Aberdeen from Paris and my skin was looking awful. It was dull and blotchy and I had dark pigmentation spots all around my chin area. I wanted smooth even toned skin which is hard to get when you are acne-proned and dark-skinned like me. I wasn’t interested in anything too expensive or that involved a doctor. And I wanted something natural. So I did some research.

Even Skin Tone

That was when I came across the POWER PEEL by Ole Hendriksen. Looking at the reviews it seemed to be just what I was looking for. It is an at home peel and microdermabrasion kit that promises to rejuvenate your skin by buffing away all the dead cells that are on the surface of your skin, leaving you with fresh new skin that is smooth and even toned.

So I gave it a try and the results were amazing. The first time I tried it I was stunned at how smooth and soft my skin felt. After using it a few times I could definitely feel and see a difference in my skins overall appearance and tone. It was no longer dull, and the dark spots were starting to fade.

PEEL: Instant Transformation Lemon Facial Peel, with glycolic and lactic acid to help resurface the skin and reduce fine lines and discolouration. This part will sting a little bit. Leave on your skin for 2 minutes.

SOOTHE : Chamomile Comfort Mask, which helps to calm and sooth your skin. Put this on top on the lemon peel and leave for 15 Minutes before rinsing.

I am aware I look really scary with this mask one!

Now the POWER PEEL is something I keep in my beauty box at all times. I use it whenever I feel like my skin needs rejuvenating and it never disappoints.

Once you have rinsed off the peel and soothe, you will notice that your skin is shiny. It is because all of the dead skin cells have been removed leaving you with a fresh new layer of skin. Moisturise with your favourite moisturiser and voila. Perfect Skin! Check out my favourite Organic Skincare Range Here

I have never been one of those “flawless” girls. You know the ones I am talking about. The ones that seem to always have every strand of hair in place, perfect skin and makeup at any time of the day, despite the hurricane that just went passed. The type of girl that was always prepared for anything, no matter what the situation.

I used to work with a lot of them. Working on the Fashion scene for 8 years could seriously do damage to ones self esteem. After work drinks and spontaneous nights out didn’t matter, because they always looked their best. While I sat in the corner feeling like feeling like a complete mess.

How do they do it? What was their secret? How did they manage to always look so fresh, even after a long hard day at work? No it is not genetics ( or though I think that can play a part). After finally speaking to them and begging to know their secret. It shocked me to find out that it was really quite simple. Organisation!

These girls were organised. When my latest girl crush showed me the contents of her bag, it started to make sense. Her bag was were the magic was. On top of the usual wallet and phone, she had neatly packed mini toiletries, bobby pins and hair ties, notepad and pen, tissues, and had her very own make up case just for her bag.

Spontaneous night out? She had all the make up and toiletries she needed to be fresh and flawless at all times.

So I took a leaf out of her book and have never gone back since. Check out whats in my bag!

Bag Essentials

Make Up Pouch : I love my Marc By Marc Jacobs Make up pouch. It is small enough it fit into almost any bag but big enough to carry all of my essentials. See below

Passports : Yes I carry both passports with me all the time. I don’t know why, I think it is a habit from living in France and my passport being my only form of ID. At least I am ready to travel at any moment.

Face Wipes : You always need cleansing wipes. If it is to cleanse off smudged make up after a day at work or to quickly clean up any stains or spills.

My Wallet

Notepad and pen : You never know when you might need a pen and paper.

My phone and earphones : For obvious reasons

Gloves : This changes depending the season. If it is sumer then these are usually replaced with my sunglasses. However I live in Scotland so I tend to use my gloves a lot more.

My Specs

So what do I keep in my make up pouch? Everything I need to make sure I can look and feel fresh at any moment.

My Bag Make Up Pouch.

Mini Batiste Dry Shampoo : This dry shampoo is a live safer for greasy hair, especially if you have been sweating Get it here!

Benefit Mini Brightening Primer: Great for adding a quick glow to your complexion Get it here!

Benefit Mini Mascara : Everyone needs mascara, and this mini one is great to keep in my bag Get it here!

I have always wanted to get hair extensions. A lot people who know me are probably reading this and thinking ‘ Whaaaat’! Yes I know, I already have quite long hair. But it is not about length. Despite having long hair, the one thing that my hair lacks is thickness. And that make all the difference.

I cannot pull of the sleek straight look. I end up looking like someone has just poured a bucket of water over my head because it is so flat to my scalp. I also have trouble achieving glamorous voluminous waves no matter how many times I curl my hair. Thin hair is thin hair no matter what you do.

So with my upcoming nuptials and my recent vow to get out of Frumpy-ville. I decided to take the plunge and I absolutely love it.

After doing some research, I chose to go to Salon 70 on Great Western Road here in Aberdeen. Sarah is the expert ( and yes she is the gorgeous mum from my frumpy post, check it out here) She will tell you exactly what you need as soon as she sees your hair.

I was a little hesitant at first as I have heard all of the horror stories and the last thing I want is to go bald just before my wedding. However Sarah was quick to put me at ease by explaining her technique. She uses micro beads with little silicone hooks to attach the extention to your hair. The pros are that is doesn’t do any damage to your hair at all. The con is that if not looked after properly the beads can slide and slip off.

All the hair she uses are 100% human hair and she will colour test your hair before you make your appointment to get them attached. It usually takes 1-2 days for your extensions to arrive and once she has them you are ready to go.

Prices vary depending on what you are looking to achieve and what texture your hair is. As I didn’t need to add a lot of length and just wanted volume and thickness we went for half a head which was 180£. Once you have paid for the hair, then the big cost is done. After that it is just getting them reattached every 10 weeks.

The whole session took just under 2 hours and I am really happy with the results. My hair looks so glamorous I can’t stop staring at it in the mirror! Sarah will supply you with your own special brush and instructions on how to look after your extensions. You must use a silicone and sulphate free shampoo, luckily for me I already do. Check out my post here for more information. My hair is thick and soft to touch and I can now pull off the sleek look.

Now that I am a mum of a very demanding and vibrant little man, I hardly have anytime to myself let alone time to put on a full face of make up every morning. With all the classes and groups we now have scheduled almost everyday, leaving the house bare faced #Iwokeuplikethis just doesn’t work for me! I need to look presentable while using the smallest amount of time possible. So here are 5 must have products that I use everyday that are quick and easy and give a fresh glowing look.

1.MAC PREP & PRIME SKIN BASE:

I lurrrrve this base! It is moisturising and illuminating. It has a slight shimmer thats makes your skin glow. I feel it really helps to make your foundation look natural and gives a dewy look. I sometimes just use it on my face without foundation.

2. MAC STUDIO WATERPROOF

When I was pregnant, my skin started to dry out which was strange for me as I had always had quite oily skin. Now 7 months postpartum and my skin is still on the dry side, which meant I needed to find another foundation. This MAC one is excellent. It is a liquid that feels like a moisturiser. All I need to do is rub it on my face like I would a moisturiser and thats it. If I have more time I sometime use the beauty blender, which is pictured above.

3. MAC IN EXTREME DEFINITION MASCARA

I know it seems like I am a MAC ambassador but I really love this mascara. I have tried and tested a few from all different brands and this one gives the effect I am looking for. It thickens and lengthens the lash and it is easy to apply to your bottom lashes which was something I found difficult to do with some of the other brands I had tried.

4. Laura Mercier Lipstick

I didn’t know much about Laura Mercier until a few friends of mine highly recommended their products, and I have been really impressed so far. I got this lipstick as a gift and it has become my go to everyday lipstick. It looks so natural and moisturises my lips at the same time. I use the shade ‘Crushed Pecan’ which gives a great nude / natural lip for my skin colour.

5. BodyShop Bronzing Beads

I know I have talked about these before, but this is my all time favourite make up product. I have been using these for years and am still in love them. They instantly bring a lift to your complexion and give a healthy natural glow. When I am in a rush and have been tired because my son has kept me up all night, all I do is brush this on my cheeks and T-zone and I instantly look refreshed. They come in two different shades, this shade and another for fairer skin.

So there you go, my easy make up must haves. Hope you enjoyed my post!